Manchester United are reportedly facing growing tensions inside the club as senior officials disagree over who should replace Michael Carrick. Jason Wilcox and Christopher Vivell are said to support different candidates, while Sir Jim Ratcliffe has reportedly backed Wilcox amid the growing crisis.
Man Utd Face Internal Civil War Over Plans to Replace Michael Carrick
Manchester United are reportedly facing a major internal crisis as senior club officials disagree over plans to replace Michael Carrick following another humiliating defeat.
The Red Devils suffered a shocking 4-1 loss to Como in the Champions League on Wednesday, extending their winless run to seven consecutive matches.
The result has increased pressure on Carrick, with growing questions about whether he should remain in charge at Old Trafford.
However, United’s problems now appear to go beyond the manager and his players.
According to Daily Mail Sport, director of football Jason Wilcox and director of recruitment Christopher Vivell are reportedly involved in a disagreement over Carrick’s possible replacement.
The situation has led to reports of a growing “civil war” inside Manchester United’s leadership.
Manchester United chiefs disagree over Carrick’s replacement
According to Daily Mail Sport on October 22, tensions have increased between Wilcox and Vivell as Manchester United consider their next managerial appointment.
Both officials are reportedly involved in identifying possible replacements for Carrick, but they have different ideas about who should take charge.
Vivell is understood to favour Julian Nagelsmann, while Wilcox reportedly wants a manager with proven Premier League experience.
The disagreement has created another challenge for Manchester United during an already difficult period.
Wilcox holds a more senior position in the club’s football structure, but Vivell remains an important figure in recruitment decisions.
However, United have maintained that the two officials continue to have a good working relationship.
Therefore, the reported disagreement should not be treated as confirmation of a serious personal conflict between them.
Christopher Vivell wants Julian Nagelsmann
Christopher Vivell reportedly believes Julian Nagelsmann would be the right manager to lead Manchester United into a new era.
The 39-year-old German coach is currently available after leaving the Germany national team following the 2026 World Cup.
Vivell knows Nagelsmann well from their time together at RB Leipzig.
He also reportedly supported the idea of appointing Nagelsmann while working at Chelsea in 2023.
Vivell is believed to admire Nagelsmann’s tactical ideas, attacking football and ability to develop young players.
However, Nagelsmann has never managed in the Premier League, which could be a concern for some United officials.
Despite that, he remains one of the most discussed candidates if Carrick loses his job.
Jason Wilcox prefers a Premier League manager
While Vivell supports Nagelsmann, Jason Wilcox reportedly has a different plan.
According to the Daily Mail, Wilcox would prefer a coach who already understands English football.
Four names have reportedly been discussed as possible replacements:
Eddie Howe: The former Newcastle United manager has experience building competitive Premier League teams and leading them into European competitions.
Unai Emery: The Aston Villa manager has an impressive record in European football and is known for his tactical preparation.
Fabian Hurzeler: The Brighton coach is admired for his modern approach, although appointing him could require a significant compensation payment.
Antonio Conte: The Italian manager has won major domestic titles and brings experience from several top European clubs.
However, none of these candidates has been officially announced as Carrick’s successor.
The difference between Wilcox and Vivell is mainly about which type of manager would be best for Manchester United’s future.
Sir Jim Ratcliffe reportedly backs Jason Wilcox
The situation has become more interesting following reports about Sir Jim Ratcliffe’s position.
According to The Sun, Ratcliffe and Manchester United chief executive Omar Berrada are supporting Wilcox’s authority within the club.
The report suggests that Vivell has become increasingly concerned about his influence over recruitment decisions.
Wilcox reportedly has the final authority on major football decisions, including Carrick’s future.
TEAMtalk has also reported that INEOS would support Wilcox if he decided that Manchester United needed a new manager.
However, Wilcox is still understood to be backing Carrick in the immediate future.
There has been no official announcement that Ratcliffe has ordered a managerial change or removed Vivell from his position.
Manchester United dressing room tensions grow
The reported disagreement comes at a time when Manchester United are also facing problems on the pitch.
After the 4-1 defeat to Como, captain Bruno Fernandes publicly questioned the team’s tactical approach.
The Portuguese midfielder suggested that United should have pressed their opponents more aggressively instead of allowing them too much space.
His comments increased pressure on Carrick, who was already facing serious criticism over the team’s performances.
According to Daily Mail Sport, one source close to a first-team player even suggested that major changes were needed throughout the club’s leadership, recruitment department and coaching staff.
That reaction shows the level of frustration reportedly surrounding Manchester United.
However, comments from an unnamed source do not prove that every player wants Carrick or the club’s senior officials to leave.
Seven matches without a win put Carrick under pressure
Manchester United’s recent results have made the situation even more difficult.
The Red Devils have won only two of their first 11 competitive matches this season.
They have also failed to win any of their last seven games, with the defeat to Como becoming another painful moment.
The 4-1 loss in Italy raised serious questions about Carrick’s tactics, the players’ commitment and the club’s overall direction.
United currently sit 13th in the Premier League despite finishing third last season.
Some senior officials reportedly believe Carrick deserves more time because of injuries and poor individual performances.
Others are increasingly concerned that the situation may not improve without a managerial change.
But the lack of agreement over his possible replacement makes an immediate decision even more complicated.
Carrick survives for now as Bournemouth test approaches
Despite the growing pressure, Manchester United have decided not to sack Carrick immediately.
According to Sky Sports, the 45-year-old is expected to remain in charge for Sunday’s Premier League match against Bournemouth on October 25.
However, no decision has been made about his future beyond that game.
The Bournemouth match could become an important moment in deciding whether Carrick remains Manchester United manager.
Another disappointing performance would likely increase the pressure on the club’s leadership to act.
But United have not officially announced that Carrick will be dismissed if his team fails to win.
The manager is still preparing for the match while club officials reportedly continue discussing possible alternatives.
Manchester United face another difficult decision
Manchester United’s problems appear to be growing both on and off the pitch.
The club is struggling for results, Carrick is under pressure, and reports of disagreements between senior officials have created another unwanted distraction.
With Wilcox reportedly favouring Premier League experience and Vivell supporting Nagelsmann, the club faces a difficult decision about its future direction.
However, the reported disagreements remain based on media sources rather than an official confirmation of a boardroom crisis.
For now, Carrick remains in charge and will have another opportunity to improve United’s results against Bournemouth.
But even if Manchester United decide to replace him, the club must first agree on who should take over.
And with growing pressure on the manager, frustration among supporters and different opinions inside the leadership, Manchester United’s next major decision could shape the future of the club for years to come.
